LIST: Who are allowed to travel to and from GCQ and ECQ areas

MANILA, Philippines — As quarantine measures ease in several areas starting May 1, Malacañang disclosed Thursday the list of persons who are allowed to travel between areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

However, as a “general rule,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stressed during an online press briefing that non-essential travel would remain prohibited either in ECQ and GCQ areas.

According to Roque, those who are allowed to travel to and from GCQ and ECQ areas are:

• Health workers
• Government officials and government frontline personnel
• Traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons
• Persons transiting to the airport for travel abroad
• Workers in permitted establishments and persons providing essential goods, services, and public utilities
• Essential skeleton workforce
• Repatriated OFWs and non-OFWs returning to their residences
• Persons transported through efforts of the national government upon the conduct of the necessary quarantine protocols and in concurrence with the receiving local government units

“Land, air or sea travel by uniformed personnel and government officials and employees for official business, with the corresponding travel authority, especially those transporting medical supplies and laboratory specimens related to COVID-19, and other relief and humanitarian assistance, shall be allowed,” Roque added.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said workers in GCQ areas only need to show their company IDs should they need to cross to ECQ areas.

“If you’re referring to the GCQ, dito naman sa GCQ, hindi na masyadong problema basta dala-dala lang nila ‘yung kanilang company ID or certification of their employment ay okay na ‘yan,” he said.

(Those from GCQ, it won’t be much of a problem as long as they bring their company ID or certification of employment.)

It was unclear, however, if the other persons exempted would still need an ID or proof to travel between ECQ and GCQ areas.

Starting May 1, “low-risk” areas for the coronavirus transmission are placed under GCQ where several restrictions are eased.

Under GCQ, Businesses, excluding those involved in leisure and entertainment, are allowed to partially operate, provided that physical distancing is observed.

Work gatherings and religious activities are also allowed in areas under GCQ.

Meanwhile, areas that are “high-risk” for COVID-19 infection like Metro Manila will remain under ECQ until May 15.

KGA